A beautiful example of the very popular and elusive Rolex GMT ref 6542 no crown guards model circa 1957. From the family of the original owner, a U.S. airman who flew F86 fighters during the Korean Conflict. A stunning example, with beautiful condition gloss gilt dial, and perfectly faded red and blue bezel insert.

As we all know, the 6542 no crown guard GMT’s were produced with red and blue bakelite bezels, and with SWISS only signed radium lume gilt dials. We have to presume that the original bakelite bezel and SWISS only dial were switched out early in the lifetime of this watch, when Rolex recalled these watches due to new safety restrictions in the early 60’s by the AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) regarding radioactive radium on the bezels and dials. This dial and red backed insert had to have been switched out long ago and are most certainly not recent service replacements..

Featuring a stunning condition early gilt tritium minute track service dial. The dial has begun to subtly age, with a brown/red undertown shining beneath the glossy black surface and further with a beautifully light browning to the hour markers and hands. The bezel is a beautifully faded red-backed insert, as mentioned above, both presumably switched by Rolex during the recall of the 6542 bakelite bezels for excess radioactivity.

The 39mm stainless steel case is in great shape, showing a light polish at some point in its long life. The caseback is stamped with the date code IV/57. This 6542 comes to us fitted with a Rolex USA C & I rivet bracelet, with a date stamp of 7/67.

The watch has been fully serviced by one of our veteran watchmakers and is offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation. Also accompanying your purchase is one of our beautiful handmade Italian leather watch travel pouches, a $55 value!

A stunning correct and genuine 6542 with magnificent early gilt service dial and aluminum red backed service bezel from the original owner’s family. According to family members, this watch was the property of noted airman Major Frederick Ephram Moore, Jr, whose military records and memorobilia are due to become part of an air museum exhibition. He flew F86 fighters during the Korean conflict, and later flew C41 transports during the Vietnam war. See attached photo supplied by family member of the watch being worn at an event in 1971.